REALISING an AFL dream has been harder for Jake Pasini than most in the system.
The 192cm defender was picked up by Port Adelaide in the 2019 AFL Rookie draft from Caversham and Swan Districts in Western Australia but in his first season, the global pandemic hit and the club was told it could not participate in the SANFL.
That left the teenager unable to showcase his talent, other than in small sided competitive training drills.
When he finally got a good run at it after a solid 2021 pre-season, the West Australian suffered a shoulder dislocation which required surgery, ruling him out until half way through the year and allowing him just eight games.
After adding bulk to his 86kg frame across another strong pre-season, Pasini started this season on fire in the SANFL and appeared on course for an AFL debut.
Averaging 17 disposals, five marks and eight rebound 50s per game across the first six matches, the 21-year-old then landed awkwardly at training and scans confirmed the worst – he had suffered a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee and would miss the rest of the campaign.
Fast approaching the end of his rookie contract, Pasini might have been nervous about his playing future but the club has stuck by him and extended his contract until the end of 2024.
“It’s great that the club have faith in me after my injury woes in my last few years,” Pasini said.
“It’s unreal. I’m extremely grateful for the coaching staff and the recruiting team. I’m pumped.
“It wasn’t the best run my first few years. I’m just lucky I played some good footy at the start of this year and the coaches noticed that.
“I’m extremely grateful to get that out of the way and now be here for the next few years, and hopefully make my (AFL) debut next year.”
Some might remember that when he was drafted by Port Adelaide, nobody was more excited than his sister Mia who grew up supporting the club despite living in WA.
“Mum knows (about my contract) and my Dad, but I don’t think my sister knows yet,” Pasini laughed.
“She’s too busy concentrating on her boyfriend who plays for the (West Coast) Eagles so she’s getting around him more at the moment than me, but I’m pretty sure she’d be very happy for me.”
Nearly three months post-surgery, Pasini is now setting his sights on getting back to running and eventually into full training as he eyes off playing again early in 2023.
He knows it won’t be easy but has retained his customary positivity throughout the rehabilitation process.
“I’ll resume running in the next few weeks,” he said.
“I’m two months and three weeks since surgery so I’m slowly coming through but there’s no rush. I’ll be back early next year.
“Hopefully round 1 but we’ll just have to talk with the medical staff and see what they have to say.
“There’s no rush. I’ll just take it one step at a time.”
